Tomifobia Nature Trail: Fun Awaits on Eastern Townships Rail Pathway

The first time cycling Le Sentier Nature Tomifobia, or Tomifobia Nature Trail in the Eastern Townships, I thought it was an odd spot for a xylophone. My wife Jan and I were taking a break on the delightful hard-packed path when we spotted the thing. We thought it was an al fresco makeshift musical instrument laid out on a large flat rock by the side of the rail trail…

There was even a single, long thin weathered metal rod to smack it with.

My wife played the glockenspiel in high school. She took up the mallet and started pounding. No symphony echoed from under the trees. Instead, it was a cacophony.

That’s because this was no percussion instrument. As we later learned, it was a collection of old railroad parts that once held the tracks together!

A Historical Bike Path

Railroad history and nature co-exist splendidly along the nearly 20-kilometre rail trail (12 miles) in the province of Quebec between Ayer’s Cliff and the village of Beebe in Stanstead near the United States border with Vermont.

It’s an easy go-to, family-friendly pathway for those looking to cruise on auto pilot often along the Tomifobia River. The multi-use trail is an out-and-back popular linear park of sorts shared by cyclists, walkers, runners, and binocular-toting bird watchers.

With several Tomifobia Trail parking areas between routes 141 and 247, users can choose how far they want to go. We’ve ridden the nature trail along the former Massawippi Valley Railway line several times. No matter how far we go or where we start, the pathway is always a sweet slice of rural life near Lac Massawippi, a popular area in the Eastern Townships with its influx of seasonal visitors.

A Bit of Tomifobia Trail History

The line first operated as a railroad that opened in 1870 connecting Newport, Vermont and Lennoxville, Quebec. It was an economic force. The trains were influential in the transport of forest and farm products, development of granite quarries and copper mining production, and the growth of summer tourism in the Lac Massawippi area.

Whenever we roll by Kilometre 13, I know we are near one of the rail’s most tragic and historic sections. Some 130 years ago on the night of April 8, 1895, a huge boulder fell on the tracks and derailed a southbound passenger train travelling between Sherbrooke and Newport.

The stone trapped both the engineer and fireman inside the train. Even though passengers rescued them, it was too late. Both men were scaled by the steam and died the next day.

A memorial now marks the spot in the shade.

Eventually, the railway ceased operations and was abandoned in 1990. Soon thereafter, the non-profit and volunteer Sentiers Massawippi took over and in a few years opened the Tomifobia Nature Trail.

Now the trail is a place that springs to life with its abundant flora and fauna, and quilts of farm life as it crosses several railroad bridges.

What Can Be Seen Along the Biking Pathway?

Spruce groves, marshes, cow passageways, stone culverts and the curving Tomifobia River with its swimming holes share the landscape with hospitable benches and picnic tables. The trail passes through a delightful tunnel and even leads to a nice little leg-stretcher of a trek along an enchanted forest path around Kilometre 11.

Nearby is another shaded memorial honouring the late longtime trail member and volunteer Harry Isbrucker. He was Dutch. The memorial is called SteenHemel, Dutch for Stone Haven.

The Tomifobia Nature Trail also pays homage to Indigenous Peoples. A teepee and picnic table at the southern end by Kilometre 16 welcome users and is a place we had stopped to rest several times as the southern section has some uphill.

That was until the summer of 2020 when about a half kilometre from the teepee a pleasant surprise awaited us. We came upon a distinctive work of art called Medicine Wheel and the 4 Directions. The artwork encourages rest for body, mind and spirit. The 4 large stones in a circle are engraved with both animals (moose, coyote, eagle, and bear) and the directions. The rocks also form the outline of a turtle, as “Turtle Island” was once the indigenous cultural name for North America.

As for wildlife along the trail, it doesn’t appear to be shy. During one outing, we spotted a total of 4 white-tailed deer either nibbling about or prancing away as we crossed into that unseen comfort zone animals have set up.

Overhead, we’ve seen geese flying together in majestic v-formation for warmer climes on the other side of the border. Herons have taken flight and stood silently at attention as we cycled by them. We’ve also seen them angling for fish in the waters.

A Foodie Recommendation Before Leaving

After cycling, active Ayer’s Cliff is home to a local staple, Wood’s Snack Bar at 1151 rue Main. The snack bar is a fine spot to sit outside along the pathway and choose fast food from burgers to poutine as rewards for chugging along the trail.

Enjoy the Tomifobia bike trail!

Here are some suggestions for places to visit in the Eastern Townships:

• 24 Hours in Magog, An Easy Overnight Trip from Montreal
• 2-Day Itinerary in Bromont: A Perfect Daytrip from Montreal or Weekend Experience
• 5 Weekend Trips in the Eastern Townships – Hidden Gems Offering a Unique Experience
• Awesome Things to Do in Coaticook, Quebec
• Eastern Townships Camping Destinations: Embrace the Great Outdoors
• Cottage Rentals in the Eastern Townships: 10 Relaxing Chalets
• Best Eastern Townships Bed and Breakfasts
• Afternoon Tea at Uplands, A Must-Try Activity in the Eastern Townships
• Best Hiking in the Eastern Townships: Complete Guide
• 5 Serene Spas in the Eastern Townships

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